Disclaimer I don't own Invader Zim in any capacity.
Greetings once again your here seeking another story. Who am I to refuse such a request. No I shall give you all what your here for and that is a story.
A story that involves Invader Larb who had thought after what happened on Driftus he could move on to other things. Though life is never that easy even for an irken like him.
After avoiding being killed by his old friend Qaif he hoped that he'd seen the last of him. Despite surviving the fall he took due to the armor he had on Qaif still ended up being paralyzed.
Though due to some miracle he was saved by Chief who had him brought in and looked at. Chief's reason for saving him was unknown to even Qaif.
All he knew is that he woke up to see himself in a hospital bed. During that he was unable to do what Chief had wanted him to do and that was lend a hand in his mission.
You saw how that went and even if he was able to go I doubt he would. This was proven as one day during the night he had escaped after 'dealing with the nurse's'.
He killed them if you were wondering what I meant. When he escaped he began searching for Larb without hesitation. During his search he met Deiol and his Dad.
It was here where he was offered a chance to be able to kill Larb. All he had to do was work alongside Deiol while he set out to rid the universe of all Invaders.
It didn't matter if Deiol was in the nicest way possible in need of therapy. All he cared about was getting his hands on Larb and killing him for what he did to Vort.
Qaif accepted and the rest is history as they say. Larb had no clue that Qaif was alive but he was going to soon find that out in a way that would remind him of how dangerous the vortian is.
He didn't know how he would deal with his old friend once he finds out he is alive but he will find a way. Let us see how or if he is able to bring an end to Qaif's madness.
Our story brings us to Conventia where Larb is seen minding his own business staring at the sky. This was something that he enjoyed doing from time to time.
Irkens weren't known for doing many fun things seeing that they want to you conquer planets. Then they might be known for it but they do a good a great job at hiding it.
That is highly unlikely but though they do enjoy the occasional event The Tallest throw. Larb in the meantime was on Conventia taking a break from all the madness in the universe.
Apart from The Great Assigning there was still plenty to do there. Granite most if not all is more tailored towards irkens than anybody else. Makes sense but still is somewhat annoying for outsiders.
Larb was there for awhile doing this and seemed to be laser focused on staring at the sky. "Hm to think we haven't even begun scratching the surface of universal conquest.
"It seems like we're not even close. "The closer we get and the more planets that are conquered we seem to get as much setbacks from people trying to stop us.
"Soon we won't have to worry about that. "That is if the other invaders can finish their missions. Larb said to himself as he continues staring at the sky.
"I'll have to check in on them. "Hopefully I don't intrude on their progress. "That is if they made any progress. "Good thing Invader Stik can't hear me.
Larb was the type of irken that wasn't as social as other invaders. That didn't stop him from bragging about his accomplishments to others. He enjoyed the fact that The Tallest admired him enough to label him one of the best.
He went through a lot to get that title from The Tallest and he wanted to make sure that he didn't disappoint them. Such a task is difficult seeing how The Tallest tend to act.
Giving how they treat their own is something else to say the least. Look no forward than how they acted when Tenn randomly showed up on The Massive.
Or how they treat basically everybody that isn't as tall as them. Granite I wouldn't expect them to respect anybody even if they were as tall as them.
They aren't the nicest people but in a way that's what we all enjoy about them. Gee we're an interesting bunch of people don't you think. Yeah we need our heads checked by a doctor.
Larb didn't get more time to reflect on that as he was interrupted by a figure running over to him. One that looked to be in a hurry to get over to him.
This figure was one that he recognized and it ended up being Baget who currently was out of breath. He continued heading over to Larb while looking distraught and upset about something.
Baget without hesitation ran up and hugged Larb and began crying once he saw him. His crying quickly began getting louder as he stood there not knowing what else to do.
Seeing how Larb wasn't a social person alongside him being an irken made him dislike it even more. Though he tolerates Baget and his brother though this is something he won't tolerate.
Larb slowly managed to get Baget off of him as he didn't take kindly to what Baget had done at all. "Do you mind telling me what your doing? There was response to that question instead Larb got more crying as a result.
"Hm this is..out of character for you. "Do you mind telling me what happened this time? Larb says hesitantly after hearing Baget continue to cry about whatever it is he is crying about.
Larb didn't know what to do with Baget crying like this. He definitely wasn't trained to deal with situations like this before being given the rank of invader.
"Look your going to have to snap out of whatever this is if you want it to be fixed. "Cause this isn't going to give you what you want. Larb says still sounding firmly but in a nicer tone.
"M..M..My brother. Baget says as he struggles to calm down and speak to Larb in a relaxed manner. "H..H.."He's gone. "What do you mean by that?
"We talking lost or kidnapped? "Neither. "Then how is he gone? "He's dead. Larb was taken aback at what he was told as he didn't expect Baget to say that.
"You sure? "Yes I saw his body in our living quarters. "Where were you when this happened? "Outside trying to start a garden. "After I gave up I went back and saw him dead.
"That's not all our living quarters was trashed and had stuff everywhere. "When I saw his body I nearly threw up due a mix of fear, grief and anger.
"Do you know how he died? "There were stab wounds in his chest next to his heart. "As well as one in his throat. Baget after describing happened started crying again.
"Look I know this might be difficult for you but your going to need to tell me who did this. Larb says in a demanding tone towards Baget in hopes of an answer.
"I..I don't know who did it. "The only thing I remember is that I left our room to get something and when I got back he was dead. "My brother and the guards watching were killed.
"The guards were killed to? "Yeah they also had stab wounds in their side and head. "How could that be? "There were roughly fifteen guards surrounding the building.
"Look I don't know all I know is that my brother was one of the people killed. Baget says still distraught about everything that's happened to him.
"At least the janitor got out safely. "Janitor? Larb says perking his head up at that statement by Baget. "Yeah there was a vortian janitor that was there to clean our room.
"He had a mask on to prevent some sort of contamination. "It was weird but neither of us questioned it. "We thought it was normal. "There shouldn't have been any vortians there.
"He said that he was sent there because the cleaning drones didn't want to do it. "Whatever it is I might not know. "Only thing I know is that I miss my brother.
"I never would have guessed. "Guess no longer. Larb doesn't know how to process this information. Then again I wouldn't know how to process a friend telling me that their brother died.
"That's the reason I brought this to you seeing how we're friends and all. "Yeah..friends. Larb says hesitantly as Baget continues to sob slightly.
"All of this doesn't make any sense. "My brother didn't do anything to deserve such a death. Baget says while trying calm himself down and stop crying.
"Something else that's weird about this is that there was this picture of you there. "What? "Yeah it was stapled to my brothers chest. "Do you still have this picture?
"Uh yeah. "Show me it. Baget reaches into his pocket and grabs a picture of Larb standing beside two other figures. Larb grabs the picture and looks at it and sees something he'd thought he wouldn't have to see again.
It was Qaif and his family in a line beside Larb and seeing made Larb realize what was going on. "Qaif? Larb says dumbfounded at what he was looking at.
"What is it? "The vortian you and brother saved me from, he was the one that killed your brother. "Really cause I thought he was dead. "That's what I thought to.
"How is he alive? "Not a clue. "This makes no sense. "I didn't think he'd survive that fall. "Let alone find where you were hiding. "What does he want from me and my brother?
"I don't know but I have a feeling he's the one who did this. "We need to find him. "Only issue is where do we start looking? "Isn't there any of your irken friends that can lend a hand?
"Sounds like a great idea but I doubt anybody is available to do that. "That and I don't want this to get to out of hand. "This could also be some random person we don't know.
"Like who? "Don't know. "In the meantime follow me. "Ooh we going for a ride in your ship? "Yes but DON'T touch anything. "Got it. "Look thank you for giving me time to tell you about this.
"You did me and my brother a favor back then and to see you doing this means the world to me. "He'd surely agree if he was still here to say it.
"With you I know my brothers death won't go unpunished, especially with you by my side. "Don't mention it. "Honestly didn't think any irken cared about outsiders like me and Qobb.
"Yeah don't get it twisted my priority is finding Qaif. "Then how is it you gave me and my brother such luxuries that not many others have?
"Look you going to keep pestering me with questions? "Cause if you are than you can walk to where we're going alone. "Right sorry let's uh get going.
"Good follow me. Larb and Baget head off to go find Qaif or whoever it was that killed Cobb and left a picture of Larb behind. Join me as we see if their able to do what their setting out to do.
After some time both Larb and Baget arrive at Driftus where Qobb and the irkens were killed. Larb had landed his ship outside the place Baget and his brother were staying at.
It was a decent looking base that was given to Baget and his brother. Not much after what happened to everybody there but that was nothing.
Baget was hesitant on heading into the building as this was all a sensitive situation for him. Larb without saying anything opened the door and sees an irken dead by the door.
Two more were dead by windows while the remaining two were face down on the ground. "What happened in here? "Death happened. Larb looks over to the middle of the ground to see Qobb dead with stabs wounds in his chest.
"Geez this is uh quite barbaric. "Your telling me. "How do you think I felt having to look at it? "I imagine it was pretty difficult to look at. "From an outsider perspective that is.
"You and your brother are annoying but this was unnecessary. "That's what I thought to. Baget says as he fights off the urge to cry again. "Did you tell anybody else about this?
"No once I saw this I instantly ran to get you. "There was nobody else I thought could help me. "You were for there for us before so I thought you could again.
"That and nobody would have given me the time of day. "Believe me or not you were the only one that I though could lend a hand with this. Baget says in a tone that sounds like a broken man.
"Right? "There is still one issue where is Qaif? "You sure he's even the one who did this? "I thought you killed him. "To be honest I did to. "That was until you showed me this picture.
"Who is in that picture? "Me him and his family. "He is the only person who would have that picture. "It was taken back when I was on Vort. "Still amazes me he kept it.
"It was taken about a week before I had managed to conquer Vort. "You know after saying that him keeping that picture makes sense.
"He must really hate you. "Understatement of the year. "He wants me to suffer a slow painful death. "Those were roughly his exact words. "Right before melting my eye with a shock baton.
"There anything else you find in here? "No only this. Larb stared at the picture for awhile remembered the day this picture was taken. It was covered in blood and slightly torn.
He continued staring at the picture until he turned it around. It was here where he sees something on the back of the picture. That being coordinates to some random location.
"There are coordinates on this picture. "Really? "Yes and a message that's written in irken. "Wait does that mean that an irken did this? "No. "How do you know that?
"The message says remember me old friend. "Combine that with the picture makes me believe even more that this is Qaif. "Do you know where these coordinates lead to?
"Hm yes I do. "Where do they lead? "They lead to Vort. "More specifically to the spot where I had quote on quote betrayed him. "They had made that location into a observation facility.
"What could he be doing there? "Your guess is good as mine. "My guess isn't even that good. "I need to get going before he kills anybody else. Larb says sternly while continuing to stare at the picture.
"Your going to give him what he wants? "If I don't then he's going to keep killing irkens and anybody else that he deems close to me. "Either I go there or this will get worse..a lot worse.
"Sure I guess. "I am going to send a call out to a cleanup squad to get rid of the bodies. "Can you tell them to bury my brother somewhere nice? "Somewhere next to a view of where we were born.
"I'll make sure they do that. "Thank you he will appreciate that. "I have a feeling that he would. "There I sent the request for a cleanup squad and they should be here shortly.
"In the meantime I need to get over there and stop Qaif from killing anybody else. "Uh what about me? "Your staying here. "He killed MY brother I want to see him be dealt with.
"No offense but I need to handle this alone. "Your to grief struck you would mess it up somehow. "No I wouldn't. "Let me go I promise you I'll do whatever you need me to do.
"Look I get you want to confront him for what he did but you need to stay out of this. "For your own sake. "Fine. "Thank you. "Could you at least make sure you make him pay for what he did?
"Don't worry he will. "You stay here, I'll be right back. Larb says before leaving the room and Baget without saying much afterwards. He enters his ship and flys away without thinking any of it.
That was until we see a drone flying above where he was disappear. We then transition to a room filled with irkens tied up on the ground. Figures armed with guns are seen surrounding them.
We then see a figure look back at the tied up irkens. To nobody's shock it was Qaif who had a sour look as is usual with him. "He is on his way here.
"Once he is here you are to bring him to me. "Surely he will want his colleagues to be safe. "Until then keep them in here. "If any of them try anything kill them.
"As far as Deiol is concerned he will soon get what he wants. "Soon brothers we shall also celebrate the death of the scourge of Vort. "Until then everybody is to ready for his arrival.
The armed figures all nod their head in agreement as Qaif leaves the room. All that remains is for Larb to once again confront his old friend.
Something tells me it will be far worse than their last encounter. Larb though won't be locked in a padded room or at least he hopes that'll be the case.
Who knows this place might have one leaving me to look stupid. Granite that isn't a difficult thing to do. Moving on from that Larb hopes to stop this issue from getting any worse than it already is.
Vort One Week Before Irken Reinforcements Arrive.
We see two figures walking towards a house of some sorts. After some time we see it's both Larb and Qaif. Both are heading to the house while speaking to each other.
It was an average house in a rural area in Vort. Not much else to describe it as but an average one story house. To be honest it'd be weird if it was a mansion in a random rural area.
What's that such a thing exists where you live. Of course it does make me look stupid again you bunch of show offs. Only kidding I would never insult any of you and mean it.
"Is this it? Larb says curiously as they reach the front door of the house. "Yeah. "Forgive my son for he is a really talkative sort. "That bad? "Not at all.
"Right. "Don't worry he's harmless. "That's good to know. Qaif knocks on the door and within seconds we see the door opened by some woman.
She looked like the average vortian but you know female instead of male. Her outfit consisted of a greyish blouse and black cloth pants.
"Qaif. "Hey hun. "I see you brought a guest. "Yes. "His name is Larb. "Hi it's good to see you. "Hey. "We don't usually get irkens around here. "They tend to not like us.
"Yeah I sorta figured that. "As for you your son's waiting on you. "I don't doubt it. Both Qaif and Larb enter the house and are greeted by a child running over to him.
"Dad your finally home. "Was wondering if you got lost. "No I merely bringing a guest over. "Ooh who is it? "His name is Larb. "Is that him? The Child says pointing to Larb cheerfully.
The Child had on a blue shirt with some superhero looking figure on it and grey cloth pants. He was a bundle of energy to put it lightly.
"Yes. "Hi Larb. "My names Ioan. He says as he offers out his hand for a handshake. Larb stared at Ioan with confusion not knowing what to do.
"It's ok he won't hurt you. "I know it's that I haven't met many children in my life. "That's fine but he's harmless. Larb hesitantly shakes Ioan's hand and stares back at Qaif.
"There see told you. "Hun how did your day go? "Great apart from the usual monotony of cleaning a house. "Larb this is my wife Qarla. "She tends to be a clean freak.
"Don't we all? "Especially if your husband constantly gets himself either dirty or bloodied up. "Sometimes even both if I am really unlucky. "I am not that bad.
Larb starts looking around the house with curiosity on his face. "Is he visiting or is he staying the night? "He's visiting. "I was merely lending him a hand in mending the issues Irk and Vort are currently having.
"Yeah that is an issue. "Do try and be careful. "Don't want you getting hurt..again. "I won't. "We'll be fine. "I better not see you return with any injuries.
"Like how you tried stopping an armed robbery. "Don't want to see the doctors pull bullets out of your shoulder again. Qarla says in a disappointed tone towards Qaif.
"Or worse die and leave your son without a dad. "You worry to much. "Yeah dad's got it under control. "Always confident in him I see. "Of course he's a strong protective dad.
"This is all cool but don't we have work that needs to be done? "I know consider this a detour. "All I needed to do was check up on them and then we can continue doing what we need to do.
"Hopefully that is soon cause I feel uncomfortable. "Sorry. "It's uh fine only me not used to all this sort of stuff. "I get it it's alright. "Say Dad can you ask him something for me?
"Sure what is it? "You do realize that I am right here? "Yeah but sometimes it's best to go along with it. "He is a kid after all. "Right..what exactly does he want?
"I want to take a picture with him. "All the other kids would love to see something like that. "I am not a zoo animal. "It's only a picture. "Fine but only one.
"After that we head to where the heads of Vort are at. "Sure thing. "Good thing I always carry a camera with me. "You know for when you need to gather Intel in a photographic manner.
"Sure I guess if that's how you want to look at it. Qaif places the camera on a tripod before grabbing his kid to bring him in the picture. "Figured it best to get us all in the photo.
Qaif says as his wife stands to the right while him and his kid stand to the left next to Larb. The picture is taken and after a couple of minutes fully develops.
Qaif grabs the picture and shows it to everybody else. "That good enough? "Yeah thanks dad. "You too Larb. "Your uh welcome. "Alright guess we have to get going.
"Good luck dad. "I will you and your mom stay safe. "We will. "Alright Larb let's get going. "Good let's hopefully get things the way they need to be.
"Agreed. Qaif says as he and Larb exit the house and head off to start fixing the issues that Irk and Vort have with each other. Though knowing how things went that wasn't the case for either side.
Such is life for both Irkens and Vortians but nobody said it ever had to be easy. In this crazy world these characters live in nothing ever is easy.
Nothing is ever easy when it leads to betrayal or at least that's Qaif's perspective. Larb on the other hand would say it wasn't and that he was merely following orders he was given.
Neither side is really in the right but as mentioned before hatred drives people to crazy things. Who knows what it will lead to at the end of this story?
We transition to Vort where this whole thing started. It seems that this is where it will all end for both Larb and Qaif. If Larb is lucky that is seeing how things went last time.
He did throw Qaif off a literal building and somehow he survived. Though he only survived because Chief was there and had him brought in.
Two unstable minds in the same building what could possibly go wrong you might ask. Seeing where we are currently it's obvious what the answer to that is.
Not like two unstable minds can't do good but there is about a 2 percent chance of that being the case. The other 98 percent is them doing something that could cause trouble.
Larb lands his ship in front of the building that was showed in those coordinates. It was more like an overly complicated maze to said building. People always like to over complicate things like entrances to buildings in this case.
Better to not explain such a thing cause I don't know how exactly to describe it. Yes it is that confusing and weird. Think of it like a rollercoaster with way to many twists and turns.
No that still not good enough for you. Then uh I guess I have no other way to describe it. None that make any sense or correlate to what I am describing.
Besides all that Larb managed to navigate this maze and made it to the entrance to the facility. "QAIF! Larb shouts loudly in hopes getting his old friends attention.
Doesn't work but hey had to at least try to see if it worked. "WE'RE NOT PLAYING THIS GAME QAIF! The Facility Larb was at was quite a large building.
"He's messing with me. "That or he's waiting for me to go inside. Larb says to himself as he walks closer to the front door of the building. The building was as big as the average hospital.
It is used for observation after all meaning they need that space for...observing. What not like they bake cookies in there. On second though knowing how much irkens like snacks that might actually be something they do here.
A voice is suddenly heard talking over a speaker connected to the building. This catches Larb's attention as he looks around while the voice was speaking.
Take a wild guess who it was. If you thought it was Qaif then congratulations your brain is functional. His voice was as expected filled with hatred towards his former friend.
"Larb..what took you so long? "I'd like to ask you the same thing. "Didn't think you'd still be alive. "Of course you'd think that. "Did you see the gift I left you?
"How could I not? "You also killed several irken guards. "A crime I thought you were above. "Those restrictions that I had died when you had my family locked in prison.
"Your misinformed Qaif. "That was never my intentions for your family. "Sure if that's the story you want to go with then fine. "Those irken guards on the other hand are only the beginning.
"For the ones in this facility are seconds away from being executed. "How many more irkens must you kill? "However many is needed until you pay your debt.
"That debt involves me dying so no thanks. "Run all that you want. "Eventually you will die and then my people will be one step closer to peace. "Such a shame to see your content with these guards dying.
"Don't even think of hurting them Qaif. "You never showed Vort any restraint or mercy. "What gives you the right to ask such a thing of me? Qaif says continuing with the mopey anger filled rant.
"You already know the answer to that question. "Right because of your loyalty to The Tallest. "The same loyalty that will lead you to your grave.
"That's if you can kill me. "Trust me I will. "Keep dreaming. "I've dreamt a lot of things but none more than killing you. "After everything you did to me, my family and the people.of Vort I long for the day I kill you and avenge everybody.
"The door is unlocked. "Is it? "Yes your colleagues are waiting to be saved. "This ends here Qaif. "I agree. The speaker cuts off leaving Larb to enter the building and begin searching for the irkens being held hostage.
Larb was hoping that after he saves them he can finally bring an end to Qaif. This time he was going to hopefully make sure his old friend is stopped.
Whether he is arrested or killed Larb was going to end this. Only question is if he will be able to do such a thing without anymore people dying. Let us see if such a thing is the case.
Once Larb had entered the building he looks around the area to see that it was a mess. There were bullets and energy casings on the ground.
Bodies were also on the ground and they belonged to irkens. From the looks of it they were there for awhile. "QAIF..WHERE ARE YOU! He didn't get a response as he continues searching for the guards.
Larb hears something heading towards him and from the sound of it this wasn't a good thing. This was due to a group of armed vortians were walking up to him.
"Figures I get the henchmen before him. "Their probably armed to the teeth. "It's to dangerous for me to confront them without a weapon. Larb says to himself as he thinks about what to do.
There was about five of them and they were in fact armed with weapons that would kill Larb in an instant. Larb knew that confronting them was a death wish so he hid for the time being.
He hid in some small room and began holding his breath to ensure they wouldn't find him. This was made difficult as they stood right by the door he was hiding at.
Larb waited for a couple of minutes for them to either notice him or to walk away from the room he was hiding at. Thankfully for him the vortians turned around and left.
He then exits the room and begins searching for his fellow irkens. Larb quietly moves through the building in the hopes of finding Qaif or the other irkens.
During his search he finds two more guards standing by a door. The invader tilts his head to the right and sees the other irkens tied up with what looks like a metal machine in the middle of them.
"Have they found him yet? We hear one of the vortians say while staring into the room. "No but he's here and somewhere inside. "No doubt he is looking for the irkens.
"Say you'll have to remind me do we have permission to kill him? "He prefers we bring him to him alive. "Though to answer your question yes we can kill him.
Larb stands there wondering what to do before he thinks of an idea. He grabs a piece of debris off the ground and throws it as hard as he can. It makes a noise that allows him to head over to where his colleagues are.
The door was locked but Larb picked the lock with one of his pak legs. Once he enters he heads over to one of the guards. In..invader Larb?
One of the guards say through pained breathing. "Thank goodness your here. "These thugs barged in here and tied us up. "Not only that they practically torture us in here.
"As far as I know I am the only one that's conscious. "Don't worry I'll get you out of here. "Wait don't touch the bindings. "They rigged that machine to let out a neurotoxin as long as we're chained to it.
"How do I disarm it? "The one in charge is keeping the controlling mechanism with him. "Figures he would. "Don't worry I'll get it and free you.
"I have to hurry out of here before the guards get back. "Ok good luck. Larb turns and exits the room and starts heading off towards another part of the building.
Saving the other irkens would have to wait until after he deals with Qaif. This was something he was expecting but had hoped he would've been wrong about.
Eventually he ends finding the main control room. This was one of the largest rooms in the building and certainly where Qaif was hiding. At least that's what he was hoping for.
He storms into the room without a second thought feeling confident that Qaif was in there. "I know your hiding in here Qaif. "Show yourself. Larb says sternly while looking around the room.
There was no answer almost as if nobody was in there. "Great this is exactly what I needed. Larb lets out an annoyed grunt before going to leave the room
Though there was one issue with that being that the door was somehow locked despite practically being kicked open. Larb stared at the door utterly confused at how it was locked.
He then hears movement behind him making him turn around. Larb continued to stare around the room in the hopes of finding what caused the sounds he heard.
The movement is heard once again this time to one of the corners of the room. He then hears a voice call out to him and it was one that was all to familiar to him.
"Going somewhere? The voice says easily getting Larb's attention. "Qaif. Larb says before the figure reveals himself to indeed be Qaif. "Trying to leave before finding me I see.
"No it's that you have the tool needed to free the irkens you have hostage. "I don't wish to fight you. "Hate to break it to you but you forfeited the right to avoid facing me.
"Have I? "Yes and to be honest I am sickened that you don't realize that. "Forgive me for doing what was asked of me. "Sorry for following orders.
"Is that what it is to you? "Because the way I see it and how anybody normal would see you are nothing more than a backstabbing rat. "One that is ignorant to what he's done.
"If I am ignorant than does that make you delusional. "Joking about what you did won't make it any better. "Do tell me how did the driftian handle his brothers death?
"Terrible. "There a reason you killed him? "Figured it'd get you go and look for me. "Seeing how your here it worked. "Was it worth it? "Yes seeing as how I intend to kill you.
"Would killing me even right the wrongs you say I've caused Vort? "I don't know. "I won't know for sure but it'll certainly be a good way to start. "How do you intend to kill me?
"Seeing how you don't have me tied to a chair. "I won't need to. "Let me guess you have the key card to this room? "You know me so well. Qaif says while showing the key card to Larb.
"You want to leave fine..then take this from me. "This is pointless Qaif. "To you but to me it is more than necessary. "You brought this on yourself especially after I was thrown out of a building.
"That reminds me how exactly did you survive that? "Wouldn't you like to know. "Yeah that's the reason I asked. "Believe it or not I had thought I had died that day.
"That was until I awoke in a hospital bed. "I laid there only able to move my eyes. "Everything else I had no feeling in. "Until one evening I gained all of that back.
"Though I saw threw what they wanted and that was that they intended to use me. "After I had escaped I had continued searching for you. "Eventually I was found a mutual friend who had offered me the one thing I've wanted.
"All I had to do was lend him a hand in righting wrongs that were caused to him as well. "I feel for him for he's suffered similar to have I have suffered.
"He's the one of the only people left in life who feel my pain. "Look Qaif don't force me to hurt you. "Give me the key card and the controlling mechanism and let this all go.
We hear Larb say while staring at Qaif without any emotion. There was nothing but silence filling the room after Larb had said that. The silence continued for what seemed liked forever.
Qaif looked at Larb and said only one word in response to what he had asked. "No. The vortian says with disgust towards Larb. Larb let out a sigh before hesitantly walking over to grab the things he needed off of Qaif.
This though did not go how he had wanted it to go as when he tried to grab the key card Qaif grabbed his arm and punched him in the face. Larb was knocked down after being hit in the face.
Larb shoves Qaif away as the vortian tried to hit him again. He then blocks a punch and tries to grab the key card and controlling mechanism. This like last time didn't go how he wanted.
For he gets a knee to the face for his troubles. "So eager to run and hide. "To afraid to face me? Larb springs to life and lands a punch to Qaif's face.
This staggered him but he managed to recover. Larb on the other hand shook off any hesitation he had and started to fight back. He grabs Qaif and punches him again.
Qaif was brought to one knee allowing Larb to try and grab what he needs. Luckily for him he grabs the controlling mechanism but was pushed away before he could grab the key card.
Larb quickly tried to head back over to Qaif but was stopped when he taken aback by the vortian using a blade to try and slash him with it.
Not like he had any intentions on using it in a friendly way. Though I've been proven wrong on several different occasions. This would be no different if I was wrong.
Larb continued to dodge slashes from Qaif's blade. The last thing he wanted was to hit by that. He wanted to grab the key card and get out of here but that was being made more difficult.
Qaif had cornered Larb and then proceeded to lunge at the invader with the blade. Larb not having many options left shoved Qaif away with his pak legs.
Though he still managed to get slashed across his shoulder by the blade. He grabs his shoulder trying ease the pain in it but was unable to. Larb stares back at Qaif who stared back.
"Did that hurt? "Cause that is only the beginning. Qaif says in an arrogant tone while cleaning Larb's blood off the blade. He then walks back over to Larb in hopes of continuing the damage that he caused.
He goes and lunges at Larb once again but this time Larb rolls out of the way. This catches Qaif off guard as Larb puts him in a headlock for a brief moment before trying to grab the key card.
Like the other tries Larb is shoved away leaving both of them at a standstill in terms of what they both want. There was a brief hesitation from both of them before either tried anything.
Both of them charged at the other in the hopes of getting what it was that they wanted. Larb he wanted the key card that he could get out of here and free the other irkens.
Qaif wanted to of course kill Larb in order to avenge the people of Vort and to an extent do what Deiol wanted him to do. Only one of them could get what they wanted.
We see Larb once again block a slash from the blade. This time though he grabs the arm that Qaif was holding the blade in and went to try and disarm him.
The two then struggle to overpower the other as both try to make use of the blade. Both came close to getting the upper hand but both were having issues with doing that.
Eventually Larb manages to toss the blade to the side. He then gives Qaif a headbutt similar to how Qaif him back on Driftus. Doing this allowed to give himself a breather.
Qaif was holding his mouth after that shot. He had clearly got hit good from the headbutt. Larb stares at the vortian before saying something to Qaif.
"Enough. "I am done fighting you. "There's no point in this. "You..keep saying you don't want to fight me. "How could you say that to me? "Do you not know what you did to me?
"Yeah I do. "Thanks to you I'll never forget about it. "What you need to realize is that I had orders. "Orders that were programmed into my pak. "Orders that I follow for the betterment of The Irken Armada.
"If you had orders that could make Vort better would you not take it? "Don't try and spin this around on me. "You have a lot of nerve trying that.
"Especially after what you did to my people. "Qaif look I understand you hate me with every fiber. "But please humor me this one time. "Fine but this better not be another lie.
"It's not. "It's about your family. "What about them? "Did you have them killed? "No I didn't. "Then what about them? "There perfect fine. "I had them brought somewhere safe that way they wouldn't get hurt.
"I tried telling you this but you say that I am lying. "Where did you take them then? "Where is my family? "Xabla. "That was the safest place I was able to send them to.
"Believe it or not I had to persuade them to not put your family. "Cause they didn't want to do it at first. "Give me the key card and let me free my colleagues.
"After that I'll be sure to bring you over to your family. Qaif was still one knee refusing to look up at Larb. He was thinking about what was said to him.
Part of him wanted to believe what Larb was saying but wasn't sure if he could. All he could do was think about everything that happened to him and his family.
Not only that but to the people of Vort. Combine all that together and his brain couldn't process any of this. There was a brief moment of silence before he finally responded.
"This..none of what your saying can be true. "I promise you it is. "No tricks and no deception. "Let the irkens go and I'll bring you to them. "You will?
"Yes all I need is the key card. Larb says before heading over to Qaif. He then lends out his hand to the vortian in the hopes of getting out of here alive.
Qaif doesn't say or do anything in response to Larb's gesture. "Look Qaif I know you don't trust me and that's fine but please do the right thing. "Nobody needs to die cause of issues you have with me.
Qaif after hearing that grabs Larb's hand and seemingly accepts his offer. Though it doesn't really go how you were hoping it would go. Larb quickly found that out as Qaif had other things on his mind.
Cause the vortian had shot Larb in the stomach. He then shoves him back on the ground. Larb starts holding on to his stomach with as much pressure as he can use.
"How many more times will you try and lie to me? "How many more times do I have to say that I am done believing your lies. "You know you almost had me fooled.
"I almost bought what you said. "I almost wanted to believe that I'd get to see my family again. "No Larb I am better than to buy anymore of your lies.
"Though your deception ends here. "Not only will I avenge Vort I will also doing a favor for a mutual friend. "A favor that he promises will give us the one thing we long for..peace.
"Peace that will last an eternity. "All that is needed is you and your colleagues to die. "Which is a reasonable sacrifice giving what you've done to us.
"Shame you'll never see it that way. "Not like it matters to me. "I'd still would have killed you even if he wanted you alive. Qaif says before heading over to Larb.
"You..shouldn't have done..that Qaif. "Doing this..won't bring..Vort back to how it used to be. "Sometimes doing things that might not work is the way you have to go.
"Killing you might not be the best thing for me to do. "Though long term it's what best for everybody. "The irkens here were being used to get you to show up.
"The rest is history as they say. "I'd say sorry and that it's not personal. "But you've made it more personal than it needed to be. "Go ahead..kill me then.
"It won't..give you the feeling..you want. "I know. "Though it will be a start. Qaif says as Larb continues to try and get back up. He was only able to get back to one knee.
Most of his body was still in pain after uh you know being shot in the stomach. Tends to cause a lot of pain. Even if you have a fancy piece of technology that can heal you.
Getting shot isn't going to be painless. Regardless of the tech you have or not. Larb probably wouldn't want to hear anything about that.
"Hm still have fight in you? "Normally I'd be shocked but I know your capable enough to fight through the pain. "You know I never envisioned this would be how our story ends.
"You going to kill me..or stand there and lecture me to death. Qaif shoots Larb again but this time it was in the arm. Larb falls to the ground once again while in pain.
"Figures you have no interest in hearing me out. "No all that you care about is yourself and those other irkens. "Should have killed them the second you entered this room.
"Then you'd be willing to hear me out wouldn't you. "That what you want from me Larb? "To kill them? "Would that get you to listen to me? Larb wanted to respond but was to busy writhing around in pain.
"Hm of course should have known this is how it would've ended for us. "From when I first saw you to where we are today. "If only I had known back then. "Everything would have gone differently.
"I was such a fool. "I only hope she can forgive me for what I've done. "Though I think it's time I finally put an end to this once and for all don't you agree? All Larb does is look up and give a look of distain and hatred towards Qaif.
"I'll take that as a yes. Qaif stands up and readies himself to shoot Larb. Once he was done here he could hopefully move on with his life. Though like Larb said he doubts that it would fix anything.
Larb wouldn't have to worry about that anymore. Though instead of being shot dead he was saved at the last second. The person who had saved him was revealed to be Baget.
He had somehow found a way to unlock the door and save Larb. Qaif had dropped his gun after being hit across the face..with a rock. Baget had thrown a rock of all things.
Could he have used anything besides a rock to stop Qaif. Yes which makes me wonder what made him use a rock. Like seriously who or what made him do that.
"You. Qaif says after turning his head to see Baget staring back at him. "You shouldn't be here. "Good that means I am doing something right.
"What reason do you have for being here? "That a joke? "You know exactly the reason I have for being here. Baget says as he throws another rock at Qaif's head.
"This is for Qobb. "You..you killed my brother. "I have every intention on avenging him. Baget says before charging towards Qaif and bringing him to the ground.
He takes the gun and smacks the vortian across the face several times with it. Qaif rolls to the side and shoves Baget off. He grabs the gun and tries to shoot it but Larb kicks him in the leg with as much strength as he can use.
It didn't do much except annoy Qaif who kicked him in the side. Though in doing that he takes his eyes off of Baget. Something that is taken advantage off.
It allowed Baget to land another punch to Qaif's head. Baget tried grabbing the gun but was blocked by Qaif and shoved back. He was then without hesitation shot in the chest.
Qaif proceeds to shoot him again in the chest and finishes off by shooting him in the head. Baget falls to the ground after being shot and is lying down face first.
"You should've took his advice and stayed home. Qaif says before turning his attention back to Larb. He was about to shoot him before Larb used a pak leg to stab Qaif in the arm he had the gun in.
This makes him in recoil in pain while holding his arm. Larb musters up all the strength he can give and stand up. His pak had managed to heal him enough to where he could at least stand up.
Qaif quickly goes to shoot Larb but is stopped by Larb who charges towards the vortian. Larb fueled by rage grabs Qaif by the collar of his armor.
The two try and overpower the other and get an advantage. Eventually Larb gets the best of the exchange by stabbing Qaif through the neck and into his brain with two pak legs.
There was a long pause after this was done as Larb looked like he didn't want to do that. He pushes Qaif off of him to which the vortian falls to the ground.
Larb stood and stared the two dead bodies that were next to him. "I..I never wanted this. "It didn't have to be like this. "All I asked is for you to cooperate.
Larb drops to his knees and continues to ponder what was going on. "You saved me. He says looking at Baget. "Guess not outsiders are weak and stupid.
"At least your with your brother. "Thank you and goodbye. Larb says as he stands up and heads towards the door. "Hm he must've hacked into the panel.
"Alright guess all I have to do is get to the others and get them out. Larb says before proceeding to leave the room. Thankfully for him he no longer has to deal with Qaif.
Hopefully this time he actually stays dead and isn't saved at the last second. Though I doubt that'd be possible if he got stabbed through the brain.
Larb eventually made it back to where the other irkens were being held and manages to get them out. He was all to silent during the whole process.
Once he got all of them out one of the irkens spoke. "Thank you for getting us out of here. "We knew you could do it. "Yeah whatever. Larb says in a moping type tone.
"Everything good? "Yeah I think I need a break after today. "I'd say you do. "That driftian managed to take out the guards here. "You see him?
"Yeah he sorta saved my life. "Really? "Yes but he was killed before I was able to stop the one in charge. "Sucks to be him I guess. "Watch it. "I wouldn't be here saving you if it wasn't for him.
"So if I were you I'd be more grateful. "Fine my bad I guess. "Good. "He also managed to call in reinforcements to this location. "Good how long til they get here?
We suddenly hear several figures run up to where Larb and the others were at. "Invader Larb we got the distress call and got here as soon as we could.
"Thanks but I wasn't the one who sent it. "Though you showing up is a welcome thing. "Ok then what is it you need? The squad of irkens were in all black uniforms with helmets covering their heads.
"Obviously we need the bodies removed. "Consider it done. "One of the bodies is a driftian who is to be buried by his brother. "If so much as a scratch is done to him and you will regret it.
"Whether if it's by The Tallest or by me. "Yes we'll get it done. "Good. "I on the other hand need a break after everything that's happened. "Your wounded allow us to bring you somewhere safe.
"I'll be fine you focus on getting everything in here cleaned up. "Ok stay safe. "I will. Larb says as he leaves the building and heads somewhere that's far from this planet for the time being.
TWO DAYS LATER.
Larb is seen on Driftus standing in a cemetery staring at two graves. One for each of the brothers that stood by him during Qaif and his hijinks.
"To think at first I hated both of your guts. "Hated the sight of you. "Wished you leave me alone to my mission. "Though after everything that's happened I see things differently.
"Your not as stupid as others would have thought. "No you two over time proved that you know your way around a situation. "Doesn't fix how annoying you act trying to do it.
"Besides that you managed to make a believer out of me. "Thank you both for lending me a hand. "Rest easy. Larb says as he leaves the cemetery and heads back to his ship.
As he was leaving we see that a figure was watching him leave. The figure was dressed in a all grey outfit that covered everything but his dark blue eyes.
This figure was hiding behind some trees that kept him hidden from Larb. He stared intently as the invader as he left the area and entered his ship.
All the while never saying a single word as Larb flew off in his ship. The figure left still without saying a word. He then proceeded to enter through a portal and leave the area.
Whoever that figure was is unknown but one thing is certain we will see him again one day. The only question that remains is when will we see him again?
We once again transition to Deiol but instead of being where he usually is he is instead seen exiting a ship that lands in front of the building he and his dad were hiding.
He exits the ship before taking a deep breath. You can't really tell because the mask but he had an angry look on his face. "I sense your angry with me Dad.
Deiol's Dad exits the ship before commenting on what his son said. "It's difficult not to be angry with you. "Where do you want me to start?
"Your working with Liera and his band of criminals. "Offer aid to an unhinged vortian. "Not to mention what we did not even an hour ago. "Was killing those irkens worth it?
"Cause the way I see it they did not need to die. "No offense but I disagree with you Dad. "They were the same irkens that trained Invader Skutch.
"The one who..took her from us. "But to kill every one in the base. "Overkill doesn't begin to describe how I feel about what you did. "What you had me do.
"I get your still full of grief but you need to learn to accept that this won't bring her back. "I KNOW IT WON'T BRING HER BACK! "BUT WE CAN'T STOP UNTIL THEY FEEL EVERYTHING THAT WE FEEL!
Deiol turns around and screams at his Dad without much thinking. "I..I..I am so sorry. "Dad I never meant to yell at you. Deiol says as he falls to his knees.
Hear we can see him start crying softly after saying sorry. His Dad comforts him before responding to what he said. "I know you don't mean it.
"Though you have to learn that this is getting us nowhere. "That's not what I am concerned about. "I got in your face and yelled at you. "Your the only one I have left.
"Nobody else only you. "Your the only that gets me. "Understands what I am feeling. "Look I know and I am not saying you shouldn't want revenge for they did.
"It's the ways you've been going about it that I disagree with. "Try and dial it back. "Getting killed won't do is any good either. "You..your right.
"Stick to what I agreed to help you with. "Once you kill who you want us to kill this whole tirade your on ends. "No more killing after they die. "We go back to living a life of peace.
"Yeah we can do that. "Good how about we go and relax for a little bit and try and forget this happened. "Ok let's go. Deiol stands up hugs his Dad before they both enter the building.
This was as wholesome as it honestly could get with Deiol. Seeing as how he is wearing a mask that covers his face and most of his neck. His anger doesn't make it any better though.
Apart from all that it seems like Deiol's Dad is on board with what he wants to do. He isn't a fan of the company that he brought alongside him. Which is understandable if you really think about it.
Looking at it from my perspective it looks like he wants to support Deiol but wants to keep him safe. Eventually he might no longer have a choice in showing restraint.
That is if Zim and the other invaders have any say in the matter. Cause once they find out where they are hiding they will most definitely want to bring an end to what they are doing.
SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF SPACE.
We see a figure get out of a bed holding his head. The figure was none other than Lard Nar. He seemed to have a bad dream or something that woke him up.
"Ugh that dream again. "It seems to keep repeating itself. Not long after he woke up the door to his room opened and revealed another figure.
This figure was Kalaq who stood at the doorway with a intrigued look on his face. "Hm your up early. He says in a snarky tone towards The Resisty leader.
"You already know the reason. "Let me guess that dream you've been having? "That and part of me feels like we're being watched. "And not by The Irken Armada.
"Have any idea who you think is watching us? "No idea. "Seems like an issue. "You don't know the half of it. "Try me. "Have you told the others about this feeling you've had?
"Only Skloonktapooxis. "Not the choice I would've made but ok. "He's my friend. "I know it's that he isn't the brightest. "Neither is Spleenk.
"Your no brainiac yourself. "Don't worry I know. "Nevermind that look we can discuss this feeling in the morning. "As well as find a fix for this dream I keep having.
"What about talking to that supplier? "Don't worry about that. "Once we discuss the dream and that weird feeling I keep having we'll head there.
"Good hopefully then we can find a place to settle down in. "Trust me I do as well. "I should probably try and get some rest. "You should to. "Don't worry I will.
Kalaq leaves the room allowing Lard Nar to rest up and try and move past the dream he keeps having. Going off how he's acting it's not a good dream. Soon we will find out what exactly this dream is.
Thank you all for reading the latest chapter in the ever evolving storyline that I have going on. Things are getting interesting and seeds of the future are already being seen.
What that future holds is up to you to see whenever it is posted. By the time this chapter is up it'll be near Christmas as well as me and my Dad's birthday will be here.
Anyways I hope you enjoyed this story and sorry for the long wait for this chapter. It seemed like a long wait for me at least not sure about anybody reading this.
Besides all of that I wanted to once again say thank you for all the support. As always stay safe and God Bless You All Goodbye and see you in the next story.
